The US Global Surgery Program Fair: Addressing the Demand

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies indicate that 71% of residency applicants would rank a residency program US Global Surgery Program Fair and evaluate the background of registrants and specifications of participating programs. METHODS: We structured a Global Surgery Program Fair to provide a platform for interaction between residency applicants and US-based global surgery programs. The Fair was held virtually and included an overview of the programs, followed by interactive question and answer sessions. Twenty-five programs were invited via email, and registration for attendees was promoted through social media. RESULTS: A total of 17 residency programs joined the Fair, with most programs offering a mix of international clinical rotations, education, and research opportunities in global surgery and only 1 offering an integrated global surgery residency program. Six programs offered funded positions, and 7 were cross-disciplinary. There were 128 registrants from 31 countries, with 55.5% from high-income countries (65 from the US), 9.2% from upper middle-income countries, and 35.2% from low- to middle-income countries. Most registrants were medical students (75%), followed by residents (13%) and medical graduates not currently in residency (6%). CONCLUSION: Trainees in both US- and internationally based programs are interested in academic opportunities in global surgery. The Fair allowed program applicants and program leaders to learn about available opportunities in global surgery across the US. The diverse and robust participation by programs and trainees demonstrates the need for academic program development in global surgery.